Symptoms

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Lymph nodes in the neck may be swollen. Thyroid function tests are usually normal. However, an examination of the thyroid may reveal single or multiple nodules (lumps).

Patients with MTC should be checked for certain other tumors, especially pheochromocytoma.

Treatment

Treatment involves surgery to remove the thyroid gland and surrounding lymph nodes. Because this is an uncommon tumor, surgery should be performed by a surgeon who is familiar with this type of cancer.

Chemotherapy and radiation do not work very well for this type of cancer. Radiation is used in some patients after surgery. There are a number of new treatments currently being investigated in clinical trials.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Approximately 86% of those with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid live at least 5 years after diagnosis. The 10-year survival rate is 65%.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

Cancer spreads to other areas of the body

Parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during surgery

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.

Prevention

Prevention may not be possible. However, being aware of your risk factors, especially your family history, may allow for early diagnosis and treatment. There are some recommendations regarding removing the thyroid gland in people who have a very strong family history of MTC. You should carefully discuss this option with a doctor who is very familiar with the disease.